Country music and good food go hand in hand like boots and jeans.
While these stars are belting out chart-topping tunes, many also have a passion for creating delicious dishes that evoke memories of home and family.
Let’s take a peek into the kitchens (and social media feeds) of some of our favorite country artists, where they’re sharing their culinary secrets and serving up heaping helpings of fun along the way.
Dolly Parton: The Queen of Southern Comfort Food
Dolly Parton is a country music legend, and her love for Southern cooking is no secret. Her fans can practically smell the sweet tea brewing and the biscuits baking just by listening to her songs.
Dolly’s love for good food extends beyond the stage. She even has her own line of cookware, “Dolly Parton’s Stampede Kitchen,” inspired by the recipes she grew up with in the Smoky Mountains.
Back in 2006, during the height of the pandemic, Dolly launched her cookbook, “Dolly’s Dixie Fixin’s.”
It features more than 125 recipes, including many from Dolly’s collection of southern specialties like her popular banana pudding.
If you can get a copy of this book, do so. The ever-charming authentic Dolly has penned a wonderful family cookbook complete with stories and photographs. It is truly a treasure.
A customer commented on Amazon
Heres Dolly shared the recipe he made for her husbund for his birthday:
Trisha Yearwood: From Grammy Wins to Gourmet Kitchen
Trisha Yearwood is another country heavyweight who’s a whiz in the kitchen.
Beyond her impressive music career, Trisha is a New York Times bestselling cookbook author with several Food Network shows under her belt.
Her recipes are known for their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and for creating approachable takes on comfort food classics.
Trisha regularly shares glimpses of her culinary creations on her Instagram account [@trishayearwood].
From mouthwatering pictures of her famous “Georgia peach cobbler” to behind-the-scenes snippets from filming her show, Trisha’s feed is a haven for food lovers and country music fans alike.
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Whip up this delightful peach cobbler for a taste of summer sunshine! First, drain one can of peaches, saving the sweet syrup from the other can in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Slowly add the milk and reserved peach syrup, stirring until smooth. Now, melt a stick of butter in your 9×12 inch baking dish. Pour the batter over the melted butter, creating a smooth base.
- Gently arrange the drained peaches over the batter, letting them peek through like juicy jewels.
- Bake this masterpiece in a preheated oven (around 375°F) for about an hour. When the batter puffs up around the peaches and the top boasts a golden brown tan, it’s done!
- Let it cool slightly, then scoop warm portions into bowls and crown each one with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a truly heavenly dessert.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert
Homemade Whipped Cream:
Yield: 4 cups
- Chill a large metal mixing bowl and the wire beater attachment in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Pour the chilled cream and sugar into the cold mixing bowl and beat until it forms soft peaks, about 5 minutes. The mixture should hold its shape when dropped from a spoon. Don’t overbeat or you’ll have sweetened butter!
Cook’s Note
If you don’t have self-rising flour, substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon salt
Luke Combs: Smokin’ on the Grill
Country heartthrob Luke Combs might be known for his smooth vocals and swoon-worthy lyrics, but this North Carolina native also has a serious passion for grilling.
He’s shared his love for barbecue on multiple occasions, even partnering with a popular grill manufacturer to create his own limited-edition smoker.
In an interview with [magazine name], Luke revealed his secret to perfectly smoked meats: low and slow with a good rub.
While he hasn’t divulged his exact recipe secrets just yet, fans can catch glimpses of his grilling expertise on his social media occasionally.
Reba McEntire: Bringing the Ranch to the Kitchen
Reba McEntire’s sassy personality and powerhouse vocals have captivated audiences for decades. But this Oklahoma native also has a love for down-home cooking, particularly dishes inspired by her ranch life.
Back in 2009, Reba released a cookbook titled “Comfort Food: Cookin’ Up Memories.” The book features recipes passed down through generations of her family, with a focus on hearty stews, freshly baked breads, and of course, delicious ranch-style comfort food.
While Reba doesn’t share a ton on social media these days, her cookbook offers a glimpse into her personal connection to food and family.
Reba McEntire’s Mama’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients:
Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple rings, drained and patted dry
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup whole milk
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- To make the topping, set a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar. Stir steadily until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Slice all but 1 pineapple rings in half. Arrange the pineapple in the skillet on top of the butter and sugar mixture, starting with the whole ring in the center and building the half-rings around it.
- To make the cake, place flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, place melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and combined.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the wet mixture. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. When the batter starts to come together, pour in the milk. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the skillet over the pineapple rings. Gently smooth the top with a rubber spatula so it’s even. Transfer the skillet to the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the cake to rest for 15 minutes—no more, no less, or the topping will stick!
- Hold a serving plate facedown over the skillet, then swiftly flip the skillet to invert the cake on the plate. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
This recipe can be found in Reba McEntire’s “Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots” available on Amazon.
Darius Rucker: Bringing the Lowcountry to the Table
Country music isn’t all about sweet tea and biscuits. Darius Rucker, the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish turned country star, hails from South Carolina, and his culinary style reflects his Lowcountry roots.
Darius loves to share his passion for seafood on social media. Whether it’s a freshly caught fish he reeled in himself or a Lowcountry boil brimming with shrimp, sausage, and corn, Darius’s Instagram posts [@dariusrucker] will have your mouth watering.
In a 2022 interview with , Darius even shared his recipe for his famous “Carolina Gold Rice with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage,” a dish that perfectly captures the flavors of the South Carolina coast.
“My favorite meal was always Okra soup. It was just okra made with tomatoes and a bunch of vegetables and some ham hocks and all that Southern stuff. It’s still my favorite meal. My sisters make it for me every now and then. I love it.”
Darius tells Sid Evans in an interview
More Than Just Recipes: Cooking with Heart
These are just a few examples of the many country stars who are passionate about food. What makes their culinary ventures so special is the way they connect food, family, and music.
Dolly’s recipes evoke memories of her childhood in Tennessee, while Trisha’s focus on fresh ingredients reflects her dedication to healthy and delicious meals.
Beyond the delicious dishes themselves, these glimpses into the kitchens of our favorite artists show a more personal side.
We see them covered in flour, laughing with friends and family, and sharing stories about the meals that have shaped their lives. This creates a deeper connection with the artists and makes us feel like we’re part of something bigger than just music.
So next time you’re craving a taste of country comfort, head over to your favorite artist’s social media page or pick up their cookbook. You might just discover a new recipe, a new story, and a deeper appreciation for the music that makes us all feel right at home.
Beyond Social Media: Country Cookbooks and Food Shows
For those who want to delve deeper into the world of country music cooking, there’s a whole treasure trove of cookbooks and food shows waiting to be explored.
From the classics like “Willie Nelson’s Recipes and Memories” to the more recent releases like “Kelsea Ballerini’s Southern Style,” there’s a cookbook out there to suit every taste.
Many country stars have also launched successful food shows. Trisha Yearwood’s “Trisha’s Kitchen” is a long-running favorite, while newer shows like “GAC’s Dish Nation” feature celebrity chefs creating dishes inspired by country music legends.
So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, there’s plenty to learn and enjoy from the world of country music cooking.
Grab an apron, crank up your favorite tunes, and get ready to whip up some delicious food that warms the soul and celebrates the rich traditions of country
Country Stars Cookin’ Up Hits!
| Star | Known For | Culinary Passion | Social Media Foodie Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolly Parton | Smoky Mountain Songstress | Southern Comfort Food | Dolly’s Dixie Fixin’s (Videos) |
| Trisha Yearwood | Grammy-Winning Country Queen | Fresh & Seasonal Comfort Food | @trishayearwood: https://www.instagram.com/trishayearwood/?hl=en |
| Luke Combs | Country Heartthrob | Barbecue & Smoked Meats | Occasional grilling glimpses |
| Reba McEntire | Sassy & Powerful Vocalist | Down-Home Ranch Cooking | Reba’s Cookbook: “Comfort Food: Cookin’ Up Memories” |
| Darius Rucker | Lowcountry Crooner | Fresh Seafood & Lowcountry Boils | dariusrucker: https://www.instagram.com/dariusrucker/?hl=en |
FAQs: Country Music & Food
Q: Why is there a connection between country music and food?
A: Country music often reflects themes of family, home, and Southern traditions. Food plays a big role in these traditions, creating a natural link between the genre and delicious comfort cooking.
Q: Besides social media, where can I find recipes from country stars?
A: Many country stars have published cookbooks filled with their favorite recipes and family classics.
Q: Are there any TV shows that combine country music and cooking?
A: Absolutely! There are several popular food shows featuring country stars, such as Trisha Yearwood’s “Trisha’s Kitchen” and GAC’s “Dish Nation” which feature celebrity chefs creating dishes inspired by country music legends.
Q: I’m not a great cook, but I still want to enjoy some country music and comfort food. What are some options?
A: Don’t worry! Many restaurants offer dishes inspired by Southern cuisine. You can also try searching online for simpler versions of classic country recipes.
Q: This all sounds delicious! How can I learn more?
A: Great question! This article just scratches the surface. You can explore the social media pages of your favorite country artists, search for country music cookbooks, or tune in to food shows featuring country stars. There’s a whole world of delicious food and interesting stories waiting to be discovered!
Conclusion
- So there you have it, folks! From smoky mountain breakfasts to Lowcountry boils, country stars sure know their way around a kitchen.
- Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there’s something for everyone in the world of country music cooking.
- So grab a spatula, put on your boots, and get ready to get cookin’. You might just surprise yourself with your culinary talents (and a newfound appreciation for country music’s tastier side)